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WILTON, Conn. -- Eversource is celebrating a significant milestone, surpassing its 2014 goals for expanding natural gas access to more Connecticut customers, partially due to its new pipeline in Wilton.

The company, previously known as Yankee Gas, successfully converted more than 5,500 customers while adding 20 miles of new gas main in its service territory. These efforts are part of the state’s Comprehensive Energy Strategy, which calls for expansion of Connecticut’s natural gas distribution system to provide more residents and businesses with the opportunity to connect to clean and efficient natural gas.

With a target of 5,200 conversions in 2014, as outlined in the CES, the company exceeded its goal by 7 percent.

“Thanks to strong partnerships with customers and community leaders, we were able make these expansion goals a reality,” said William Akley, an official with Eversource. “We look forward to providing the opportunity for more residents and businesses to switch to this cleaner-burning fuel source and remain committed to helping Connecticut meet its energy needs more affordably.”

In November, the company completed its first large-scale natural gas expansion project in Wilton. The new 3.5-mile pipeline made conversion possible for the community and allowed more than $500,000 in saved, annual energy costs.

To further facilitate Connecticut’s gas expansion efforts, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority approved recommendations to help streamline the process for providing gas service to new customers while ensuring the program's cost effectiveness. These include greater flexibility in developing large-scale projects and making it easier for the utilities to enroll new customers in such projects.

“Consistent with the governor's comprehensive energy strategy, we remain committed to facilitating consumer choices that may help save on energy costs,” said John W. Betkoski, III, PURA vice chairman. “Streamlining guidelines makes the conversion process more efficient for both customers and the gas distribution companies.”

The company is developing several large-scale gas expansion projects for 2015, while continuing its focus on providing residents and businesses with greater access to efficient and affordable natural gas. Eversource, previously known as Yankee Gas, is Connecticut's largest natural gas distribution company, serving 222,000 customers in 71 cities and towns.